AMC MCQ and AMC Clinical: the doctor migration exam process step by step
To have a medical qualification recognised in Australia, an overseas-trained doctor must complete the assessment process run by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). That process involves two compulsory exams — the AMC MCQ and the AMC Clinical — followed by a Portfolio Assessment that leads to a Statement of Comparability, the prerequisite before registering with AHPRA.
Overview of the AMC process
The AMC process for overseas doctors (those who did not graduate from a medical school recognised directly by the AMC) has three stages, in order:
- AMC MCQ — a computer-based multiple-choice exam
- AMC Clinical — a clinical OSCE-format exam
- Portfolio Assessment — a document submission leading to the Statement of Comparability
Only after receiving the Statement of Comparability is a candidate eligible to register to practise with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). The two exams must be completed in the correct order — you cannot register for the AMC Clinical until you have passed the AMC MCQ.
The AMC MCQ exam
The AMC MCQ is a multiple-choice exam of 150 questions, sat over 3.5 hours, delivered entirely on a computer. The paper presents clinical scenarios across a range of specialties and tests general medical knowledge against Australian practice standards.
Exam locations: The exam is held in Australia and at Prometric test centres in many countries around the world, including several in Asia. This allows candidates living overseas to sit it before migrating.
Scheduling: The AMC MCQ runs multiple times a year. Specific dates are published on the AMC website; candidates choose a date and location that suits them when they register.
Exam fee: Around (current fee — check the assessing authority’s official website) (fees can change — check the AMC website for the current fee before registering).
Pass rate: Around 50–60% on the first attempt. Candidates who do not pass can re-sit with no limit on the number of attempts.
Registration: Visit the AMC portal, create an account, and submit a registration application together with documents verifying your qualifications and practising certificates from your country of origin. The AMC reviews the application before allowing you to register formally for the exam.
The AMC Clinical exam
The AMC Clinical is a clinical exam in OSCE format (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), made up of 16 stations, each lasting 8 minutes. Each station simulates a real clinical situation: the candidate meets a standardised patient and takes a history, performs a clinical examination, counsels the patient, or manages the situation as required.
Exam location: The Clinical exam is held only in Australia.
Scheduling: It runs in rounds during the year, with fewer rounds than the MCQ. Candidates should watch the registration calendar on the AMC website and register early, as places are limited.
Exam fee: Around (current fee — check the assessing authority’s official website) (check the current fee on the AMC website before registering).
Pass rate: Around 65–70% on the first attempt. This is higher than the MCQ because candidates are usually better prepared by this stage. You can re-sit with no limit on the number of attempts if you do not pass.
Prerequisite: You must have passed the AMC MCQ before registering for the AMC Clinical.
Portfolio Assessment and the Statement of Comparability
After passing both the AMC MCQ and the AMC Clinical, the candidate submits the Portfolio Assessment — a set of documents evidencing their medical training and practice, including qualifications, academic transcripts, practising certificates, letters confirming work experience, and other related documents.
The AMC reviews the portfolio and issues a Statement of Comparability — a document confirming that the overseas medical qualification is comparable to the Australian standard. This document is required to register with AHPRA, and it is also used in the visa process (as the skills assessment for the 482, 190 and 491 visas).
Relevance to migration visas
The Statement of Comparability from the AMC serves as the skills assessment result for ANZSCO 253111 (General Practitioner). However, there are some points to note about visa eligibility:
- Visa 482 (TSS): A general practitioner may be sponsored under a DAMA or separate labour agreement.
- Visa 190/491: Eligible if a state or territory nominates you; check each state’s occupation list.
- Visa 189: General practitioners (ANZSCO 253111) are not currently eligible for the independent 189 visa.
- Visa 186: Typically requires going through the 482 TRT (Temporary Residence Transition) pathway first.
In short, the AMC Statement of Comparability is the foundational step — without it, a candidate cannot proceed with the further steps towards either practising or migrating in Australia.